US Olympic-hopeful curlers welcome Team China to Fogerty this weekend

Published August 5, 2013 at 10:59 am

Public Invited to Watch Team USA vs Chinese Women’s National Curling Team

The Chinese women’s national curling team is training in August at the Four Seasons Curling Club at Fogerty Arena in Blaine. Two free exhibition games are scheduled against USA teams. Both sides have Olympic and world championship experience, promising spectators a good show, according to Fogerty Arena officials.

Defending national champion Team Erika Brown will take on Team China Saturday, Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m. The national champion in 2012, Team USA Allison Pottinger, will play the Chinese Sunday, Aug. 11, 9:30 a.m.

The public is invited to watch the action from the attached, on-ice restaurant, Gabe’s Rinkside Bar & Grill, 9250 Lincoln St. NE, Blaine. Gabe’s provides full view of the curling ice. Five dollar appetizers and other special menu items are planned for Aug. 10 and 11.

After each game, there will be a free autograph session with the athletes.

Curling teams from around the world are attracted to the Twin Cities because it offers the first of its kind, year-round ice facility in North America, according to John Benton, director of operations at Fogerty Arena and a curling Olympian. The ice is created by Todd Birr, a competitive curler who holds a World Bronze Medal.

“Todd adds his unique perspective of playability mixed with technical know-how, and the result is world-class ice, 365 days a year,” said Benton.

There will be steady stream of out-of-town visitors in the coming weeks, according to Regan Mizuno, assistant to the director of operations.

“The Four Seasons Curling Club is a magnet for world-class athletes,” said Mizuno.

World University Games training camps, Aug. 2-5

Chinese Women’s National Team training, Aug. 7-13

Chinese vs USA Team Erika Brown, game of scrimmage, Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m.—free to the public

Chinese vs USA Team Allison Pottinger, game of scrimmage, Aug. 11, 9:30 a.m.—free to the public

Spectators on Aug. 10 and 11 also will see Olympic Trials athletes on the ice. John Benton will be coaching for USA Curling.

“Come support Four Seasons Curling Club member and 2010 Olympian Allison Pottinger, and all of our athletes from the US and China with fun, fellowship and family at the Four Seasons Curling Club,” Mizuno said.